Exodus 28:26

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָשִׂ֗יתָ
And thou shalt make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
שְׁנֵ֖י
them upon the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
טַבְּע֣וֹת
rings
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
#4
זָהָ֔ב
of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#5
וְשַׂמְתָּ֣
and thou shalt put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#6
אֹתָ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
שְׁנֵ֖י
them upon the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#9
קְצ֣וֹת
ends
a termination
#10
הַחֹ֑שֶׁן
of the breastplate
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
שְׂפָת֕וֹ
in the border
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#13
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
עֵ֥בֶר
thereof which is in the side
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#16
הָֽאֵפֹ֖ד
of the ephod
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
#17
בָּֽיְתָה׃
inward
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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